GRIPES: The energetic Rossis demand attention: They'll put you on your tail if you're not on your game.

PROPS: Because these skis receive the same base prep as Rossi's race boards, they're screaming fast right out of the box. (Available in a waxless version.) rossignol.com

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BOOT Rossignol Max Classic $159

Kicking and gliding doesn't place as much lateral force on the ankle as skate skiing does, so classic boots are lower, with less ankle support and a more flexible midsole. The Max's fit is hard to beat, especially if you spend a few moments dialing in the thermo-mold liner.

GRIPES: The boot's only compatible with NNN bindings, which are solid but lack fast-guy cachet.

BINDING Rottefella NNN R3 Classic $85Rottefella's NNN R3 Classic features a low-profile design that keeps your boot in close contact with the ski, improving power transfer and stability.

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GRIPES: Salomon's excellent classic boots aren't compatible with NNN.

PROPS: Interchangeable flexors let you "tune the binding to your tastes: Stiffer for more power transfer; softer for a forgiving kick. alpinasports.com

POLE Exel Spectra Evolution $119Like their skating cousins, the best classic poles strike a balance between stiffness and low swing weight. The 60/40 carbon-fiberglass composite Evolutions are surprisingly stiff, and the weight penalty isn't as noticeable with a shorter plant.

GRIPES: You could make faster plants with a lighter stick.

PROPS: Great price—it's easy to spend twice as much on a pole. garmontusa.com